The Lakeshore Community Chorus will celebrate its 10th anniversary during the upcoming 2019-2020 choral season. Under the artistic direction of Nancy Plantinga, with accompanist Vivian Boot, the festivities begin with LCC’s holiday concerts on December 7 and 8, called “A Season to Remember.” The concerts will feature music from LCC’s past nine years of holiday performances, including pieces which chorus members voted as their favorites from prior years. The chorus will be accompanied on several selections by instrumentalists from Grand Valley State University. Both holiday concerts will be held at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts (SCA). The SCA has received compensation for the venue space for this event, benefitting the Lakeshore Community Chorus, a non-profit organization.

SAVE THE DATE—DECEMBER 7 & 8, 2019, Saugatuck Center for the Arts

But the excitement really amps up in the spring, when LCC plans a multi-day celebration of the arts that can engage the entire community. The centerpiece is a choral work commissioned by LCC, which will premiere at its Spring concert at the SCA on Sunday, May 17, 2020. With lyrics written especially for this occasion by poet Linda Nemec Foster, the first poet laureate of Grand Rapids, the composition is by David Brunner, a noted choral composer whose works are performed throughout the world. LCC will feature these two artists in a conversation about their work at the SCA immediately before the May 17 concert. Additionally, both Linda and David will visit area high schools to conduct student workshops on poetry and music, respectively.

The tenth anniversary concert is also Old Home Week, as LCC alumni singers, accompanists, and directors will join the current chorus for portions of the program. The Saugatuck High School choir will also take the stage for part of the concert, just as SHS singers did for LCC’s first concert in 2010.

LCC’s celebratory plans also include the visual arts. It will sponsor a display and community reception at the SCA, featuring student artwork illustrating the commissioned work’s lyrics. Additional community engagement will include a joint concert with Allegan High School on May 15 – LCC’s first performance in Allegan – including other David Brunner compositions.

This special spring celebration comes at a higher cost than LCC’s typical concerts. In addition to local grants, additional underwriters are needed. Those willing to sponsor any of the anniversary activities with tax-deductible contributions should contact LCC President Larry Sharp at 248-705-5911.